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Talking Pools Podcast
If you’ve ever stared at a test kit like it personally insulted your family… welcome home.
Talking Pools Podcast is the pool industry’s “pull up a chair” show—part shop talk, part field manual, part therapy session—built for people who actually live on pool decks: commercial operators, service techs, builders, facility managers, and anyone responsible for water that can’t afford to go sideways. The network was created to level up the pool industry with real-world conversations on water chemistry, filtration, troubleshooting, construction, safety, and the business side of keeping pools open and budgets intact.
Here’s the hook: it’s not theory-first. It’s experience-first—a roster of seasoned pros (with 250+ years of combined “been there, fixed that” wisdom) turning complicated problems into practical moves you can use the same day. And it’s not one voice, one vibe, one corner of the industry: it’s a network of shows designed to reflect how diverse this work really is—different regions, different specialties, different personalities.
Also worth saying out loud: women aren’t “special guests” here—they’re on the mic as hosts, from the beginning, with an intentionally balanced roster. That matters, because the best ideas in this industry don’t come from one lane—they come from the whole road.
If you want a podcast that can make you laugh and make you better at what you do—without pretending the job is easier than it is—Talking Pools is the one you queue up before the first stop, and keep on when the day starts getting weird.
Talking Pools Podcast
Pool Filter Media F**k ups: Don't let this happen to you!
Use Left/Right to seek, Home/End to jump to start or end. Hold shift to jump forward or backward.
In this episode of Talking Pools, the hosts discuss various aspects of pool maintenance, particularly focusing on the challenges posed by seasonal changes, the importance of filter media, and the signs indicating when maintenance is needed. They also delve into the use of zeolite in filtration systems and share techniques for replacing filter media effectively. The conversation is light-hearted yet informative, with anecdotes and practical advice for pool service professionals. In this conversation, the speakers discuss best practices for filter replacement in pools, emphasizing the importance of replacing the entire filter rather than just the media. They explore the evolution of filter media, comparing traditional sand to modern glass media, and touch on the maintenance of DE filters. The discussion highlights the significance of proper filtration for water quality and concludes with an invitation for listeners to engage in future training opportunities.
takeaways
- Connectivity issues can affect outdoor activities.
- Seasonal changes bring unique challenges for pool maintenance.
- Worms and other creatures often end up in pools during wet weather.
- Filter media needs regular maintenance to ensure water clarity.
- Pressure gauges are essential for monitoring filter performance.
- Clarity of water can indicate filter media issues.
- Zeolite requires recharging and can hold onto phosphates.
- Proper agitation of filter media can improve performance.
- Old filters may still provide clear water despite needing replacement.
- Innovative tools can simplify media replacement tasks. Encouraging customers to replace the whole filter is best practice.
- The cost of parts often makes a full replacement comparable to repairs.
- Filters are becoming increasingly expensive, impacting customer decisions.
- Gravel is rarely used in modern filters, with sand and glass being preferred.
- Glass media offers better filtration and longevity compared to sand.
- DE filters are effective but require more maintenance than other types.
- Proper filtration is crucial for maintaining water quality in pools.
- The age and condition of filters can significantly affect performance.
- Using beach sand in pools is illegal and detrimental to filtration.
- Engaging with listeners during training sessions fosters community and learning.
Sound Bites
- "You really don't want zeolite."
- "Sometimes it just needs to be agitated."
- "Filters are getting awfully expensive."
- "Gravel used to be the thing."
- "Beach sand is illegal to use in pools."
- "Glass is naturally negatively charged."
- "DE filters have superior water quality."
- "It's not just about the filtration."
Chapters
00:00
Introduction and Connectivity Challenges
03:04
Seasonal Pool Maintenance Issues
06:01
Understanding Filter Media and Maintenance
12:11
Signs of Filter Media Issues
18:02
Zeolite and Its Challenges
23:58
Media Replacement Techniques
25:08
Filter Replacement Best Practices
30:02
The Evolution of Filter Media
36:00
Glass vs. Sand: The Media Debate
39:07
Understanding DE Filters and Their Maintenance
41:14
Closing Thoughts and Future Training Opportunities
Thank you so much for listening! You can find us on social media:
Email us: talkingpools@gmail.com
